Mountain Views in Lucerne, Switzerland - 24-Hour Travel Guide

Chapel Bridge

Lucerne at night

View from Mt Pilatus

World's steepest cog railway

Overview - The most typical and kitsch of Swiss cities, Lucerne is a great day out, offering a city experience with an easy excursion up into the hills.

Breakfast - Confiseur Bachmann, near the railway station, is a chic modern café popular with locals. Their strapline, ‘celebrating coffee competence’, certainly holds truth as their strong brews are paired with delicious pastries.

Morning - Take three year-round cable cars up to the misty peaks of Mount Pilatus, the iconic mountain overlooking this small village. At the top you might find locals playing traditional musical instruments, but should you find this scene too touristy, just head out along the walking paths heading from the hotel at the top. This mountain serves as a number of functions for the Swiss military – see if you can spot the various hatches and ‘reclaimed’ rock formations – but stick to the path, lest not you fall off the mountain. Back at the mountaintop hotel, return to the city via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (not operating in winter) for alternate views.

Lunch - Migros and Co-op operate cheap, delicious self-service restaurants. Pizza, sandwiches, pretzels, and other café classics await you.

Afternoon - Walk across the Chapel Bridge, said to be the oldest wooden bridge of Europe and without a doubt the most iconic symbol of not only Lucerne but of Swiss cultural sensibilities. Although the bridge was built as a defense mechanism in the 14th century, it was significantly damaged in a fire in 1993. However, it was quickly restored and is still a delight to stroll along, with the many paintings and carvings along the roof and walls to be admired.

Leave the bridge and walk along the riverbank until you reach the old city wall. The wall is in decent condition and provides another perspective on the city below. The walk is refreshing and not as crowded as the typical city center sights.

Back in the city center, be sure to pick up a few Lucerne souvenirs – some are a bit tackier than others, so I will leave it to you to choose.

Dinner - Old Swiss House (Löwenplatz 4) is a traditional Swiss establishment. While some may say it is very touristy – and I would not disagree – the fact is that they do serve up excellent meals using traditional recipes and always deliver excellent service.

After Dark - Nightlife tends to be clustered around the Neustadt (New Town). Many like the Penthouse Bar for its rooftop views.

Sleep - Hotel De La Paix (Museggstrasse 2) has clean, well appointed rooms in a convenient location.

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